The Architects Company has announced I.M. Pei: Life Is Architecture as the overall winner of the 2024 Architecture Book of the Year Award. The accolade will be formally presented at the companys annual banquet on 29 January at Merchant Taylors Hall.The publication, a collaboration between Thames & Hudson and the M+ museum in Hong Kong, also won the Practice category. The judges described it as a must for any architectural library, praising its accessible format and strong visual presentation. .This is the second year of the awards, which are organised by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects. Winners in other categories also reflected a wide spectrum of architectural discourse, ranging from detailed historical studies to technical and practical guides.Andy Foster reviewsa new book byGill Hedley that explores theearly eighteenth century world of architects, clients and building.Gill Hedleys biography The Ingenious Mr Flitcroft: Palladian Architect 16971769 was named the winner of the Biography category. Judges described the book as both learned and engaging, noting its thorough archival research and the accessible way in which it brings to life Flitcrofts career and personal story. The books structural clarity, complemented by high-quality illustrations and its framing of Flitcrofts work in a contemporary context, was particularly commended.>> Caruso St Johns Collected Works, Volume 2: A genuine insight into their motivations and interestsGiles Heather finds that this latest volume of collected works sheds fresh light on the practices profound interest in history and alternative modernisms.Another commendation in the Practice category went to Caruso St John: Collected Works, Volume 2, 20002012. Judges noted the depth of the work in explaining the roots of Caruso St Johns architectural philosophy, supported by substantial cultural and historical references.The winner of the Building category was Upper Lawn, Solar Pavilion, Alison and Peter Smithson, a revised edition of the Smithsons study of their Wiltshire weekend house. Originally published in 1986, the book includes new material framed by a contextual essay by Paul Clarke. Judges described the work as a calm, poetic evocation of the projects conception, construction, and inhabitation.>> Modern Buildings in Blackheath and Greenwich: London 1950-2000Ana Francisco Sutherlands new bookdemonstrates compellingly how the architecture that now characterises the area is deeply rooted in the place and its history, writes Nicholas de Klerk.Ana Francisco Sutherlands Blackheath and Greenwich Modern Buildings 19502000 won the Guide category. This comprehensive account of mid-20th-century architecture in the area was praised for its clarity, detailed plans, and ability to contextualise the buildings design and their relationships to the communities they serve.In the History category, Dublin Creation, Occupation, Destruction by Niall McCullough was recognised as an astonishingly original appreciation of Dublin. The posthumous publication intertwines architectural history with literary references and evocative photography. Judges noted its emotional depth and unique contribution to architectural historiography, describing it as a fitting tribute to McCulloughs career as an architect and writer.Jeanne Gangs The Art of Architectural Grafting was awarded the Technical category prize. The book uses the metaphor of tree grafting to explore low-carbon architectural adaptation and reuse. Judges noted its charming illustrations and practical insights, highlighting its relevance to contemporary challenges in sustainable design.>> Housing Atlas: Europe 20th CenturyThis timely publication offers a reminder that the value ofinnovation is not in being different, but in imagining and creating new models from which others can learn, writes Bob Allies.The Typology category was won by Housing Atlas: Europe 20th Century, authored by Orsina Simona Pierini, Carmen Espegel, Dick van Gameren, and Mark Swenarton. This meticulously produced volume examines 87 key housing projects across Europe, accompanied by specially drawn plans, sections, and elevations to consistent scales. The judges commended its ability to encourage proper understanding of these works, including their relationship to programme and place.The awards also recognised several special publications, including Srgio Ferro, Architecture From Below, a translated collection of essays offering critical perspectives on architecture and labour. Judges remarked on the works value in introducing English-speaking readers to Ferros ideas, which challenge architectural cultures neglect of building labour.Thomas Heatherwicks Humanise: A Makers Guide to Building Our World also received recognition as a best-selling polemic intended to provoke public discussion on architectures role in shaping the built environment. Judges noted its visual impact and success in sparking wider debate.>> Also read:Elain Harwood given posthumous recognition at inaugural Architecture Book of the Year Awards>> Also read:Best of 2024: Building Designs book reviews of the year